Pictured: Left, Ken Pennock, Dial A Ride Co-Ordinator and, right, Frank Bemrose, driver
An 84-year-old Dial A Ride driver has vowed to keep volunteering for as long so he can help the people who need it most.
Frank Bemrose, from Grimsby, has been driving with the charity for eight years and has loved every moment. From taking children to and from school to helping get people out the house, life as a driver is never dull.
Driving keeps Frank active, which he believes has helped him stay healthy for longer.
He said: “I’ve been driving for eight years, and doing it five days a week for four. It’s so rewarding and I enjoy helping the community, I look forward to it every day.
“My favourite part of the job is the people though. When my wife passed away 18 months ago, customers sent me so many letters and cards, they made friends with me as much as I did with them.”
However, that isn’t the only good thing about the job. “The satisfaction I get from helping people is great too. I helped one woman who said she hadn’t left the house in two years, but because of Dial A Ride she was able to.
“Something as simple as getting to the shops isn’t possible without us for some people. They can’t make it to the nearest bus stop and certainly can’t carry any shopping home if they can.
“Additionally, it keeps me active and healthy. I could play golf or just do nothing, but this makes sure I’m busy and I’m helping people at the same time.”
To help more people in the community get out and about, Dial A Ride are asking for more drivers to volunteer. Frank said: “We really want more people to help us with driving.
“Anyone can do it and it’s a massive help to people in the community who rely on the service to get them out and about.”
For more information about Dial A Ride, visit Dial a ride | NELC
Want to become a volunteer? Register your interest at TakePartNEL and see how you could make a difference. For more information, visit Volunteering opportunities | NELC
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